What’s Hot about Railway Street Cafe? Real Railway Cafe Hanoi Reviews!

In the heart of bustling Hanoi, there's a tiny street where visitors can sip coffee while watching trains whiz by. Railway Coffee is not only a popular check-in spot but also holds many interesting stories. So, what is the actual experience like here? Let Joytime give you a genuine feel for this place.

1. Reviews on Space: Unique, Nostalgic Beauty with a Touch of Adventure

The Train Street is located on Phung Hung Street in Hoan Kiem District, a unique street where houses stand closely together, just a few steps away from the railway tracks. This is not just an ordinary coffee spot but also a place that encapsulates the beautiful intersection between the modern urban rhythm and the nostalgic atmosphere of old Hanoi.

Along both sides of the railway tracks are rustic eateries and cafes, repurposed from the homes of local residents. The decoration style is simple and close to nature, utilizing a lot of wood and bamboo materials. Stepping into this space, visitors feel like they are transported back to Hanoi of previous decades, with time-worn walls, hanging lanterns, and warm yellow lights.

The simple and familiar scene on Train Street - Image source: Facebook Nam Hoài

The cafes here are not designed according to any fixed template. Some have small balconies with direct views of the railway tracks. From this vantage point, visitors can observe the daily life of the locals or simply wait for the moment the train passes by.

In particular, the moment each train passes is always the most anticipated by visitors. The entire street seems to hold its breath as the train whistle echoes from afar, and eager eyes follow the train as it glides by just a few meters away. The space vibrates, a strong gust of wind rushes through, bringing a feeling that is both thrilling and exciting – a rare experience only found in Hanoi.

2. Reviews on Cuisine: Diverse and Colorful Street Food

Authentic reviews of the Train Street's cuisine from visitors around the world.

2.1.  Unique railway street food culture

• Sipping coffee right next to the train tracks: Visitors enjoy coffee just a few steps away from the railway lines. There are no partitions, no barriers, only just enough distance for visitors to clearly feel every vibration as the train rushes by. The special thing here comes not only from the food and drinks but also from the experience space that is both chill and heart-stopping.

• Small shops, simple wooden tables and chairs: The shops on Train Street are not elaborate in their decoration. Small, rustic wooden tables and chairs are arranged along the railway tracks. Everything has a touch of oldness, as if they have been attached to this place for a very long time. The open space, with no boundary between the shop and the tracks, creates a feeling of freedom and openness.

• Many specialty and novel drinks: Visitors have the opportunity to discover many typical Hanoi beverages such as rich and creamy egg coffee, fragrant milk coffee, or fresh fruit juices. In particular, some shops also creatively add unique new drinks. A highlight is the "train track coffee," a strong variation of egg coffee with the addition of a passionate touch of rum. 

• A dusty yet quality style of enjoyment: Train Street is a true embodiment of street food culture and the simple, close-knit lifestyle of Hanoians. Everything happens naturally, from the friendly greetings of the shop owners and the lively conversations of groups of friends to the moment everyone simultaneously holds their breath as the train speeds through. The simplicity and familiarity make visitors feel like they are living in the heart of the capital.

Train Street offers unique experiences found only in Hanoi - Image source: Facebook Nguyễn Hưng Tự Lập

2.2. 4+ most loved railway cafe shops for tourists

Overview of The Top Notable Railway Cafes

Visitors take away egg coffee drinks when visiting Train Street - Image source: Facebook Chuyện của Hà Nội

3. 6+ Tips to Make Your Railway Street Experience Memorable

Train Street is a unique and interesting place to visit, mixed with a bit of danger. To make your visit memorable, keep these 5 tips in mind:

• Choose the right time to see the train pass: The ideal times to visit the street are from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM. This is when many trains run frequently, especially on weekends. Visitors can ask local residents here for the exact schedule in advance.

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations: Due to the unique nature of Train Street, visitors should comply with regulations, maintain a safe distance when the train passes, and always listen to the instructions of staff. Standing in the middle of the tracks to take photos when a train is approaching is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited.

• Choose a shop with a beautiful view and ideal photo opportunities: Most cafes here are decorated in a vintage style. The space has a strong nostalgic feel with old wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick walls, and artistic black and white photos. To get a good spot to watch the train and fully enjoy the atmosphere, you should arrive about 30 minutes before the train is scheduled to pass, allowing time to relax and capture impressive moments.

• Openly enjoy the cuisine: When visiting Train Street, visitors cannot miss the opportunity to taste Vietnamese-flavored drinks. The most prominent is egg coffee, a unique combination of strong Robusta coffee with a smooth and creamy egg custard topping. The flavor is both sweet and rich, completely different from other types of coffee around the world. In addition, visitors can also try sidewalk lemon tea, served with sunflower seeds, simple, refreshing, and authentically Hanoian.

• Be ready to interact and connect culturally: This area is one of the most concentrated spots for international tourists in Hanoi. Visitors come from countless different countries. They bring interesting stories and experiences, creating a very lively cultural exchange space. Therefore, don't hesitate to open up, chat, and enjoy connecting with new friends.

• Respect local culture and the environment: Visitors should pay attention to maintaining environmental hygiene, not littering, and disposing of waste in designated places. Respect local residents, maintain a polite attitude, and comply with traffic safety regulations when moving around.

The moment the train passes is always the most anticipated - Image source: Facebook Đỗ Trâm

4. Real Experiences from Tourists at the Railway Street

Train Street leaves a lasting impression on visitors with its close-knit, rustic image mixed with a bit of freedom and edginess. It's a place that captures the hearts of tourists through a variety of emotions, sometimes relaxing and nostalgic, sometimes thrilling and heart-pounding. Most visitors rate their experience here positively, considering Train Street a unique, interesting, and worthwhile destination to return to in the future.

Facebook Cô Nhỏ (Little Sister): “Today, I had a wonderful, interesting, and exciting experience at Train Coffee Street – a super hot check-in spot in Hanoi. The local households here have utilized the cramped space to open small, pretty cafes, sparkling with bright lights, turning this street into a beautiful stage. Visitors are like the audience, both sipping coffee and eagerly waiting for the moment the train passes. The most impressive thing is the extremely close distance between the seated guests and the train, which made me feel very adventurous.”

Train Street gently goes deep into the hearts of thousands of visitors - Image source: Facebook Hiền Mai

Facebook Phùng Xuân Thiều: “I had heard about Train Coffee for a long time, and now I finally had the chance to experience it in person! The small, pretty shops, strung with sparkling lights and dotted with vibrant flowers and pictures, are so warm and nostalgic. The tables and chairs are simple, and the menu is long with all kinds of drinks.

Sitting there, people both sip coffee, chat lively, and wait for the train to arrive. When the loud shout comes, ‘Train coming, train coming!’, everyone quickly presses themselves inwards, giving way for the train to rush through at breakneck speed. In the blink of an eye, the bustle returns as if nothing had happened.

Western tourists, local tourists, young and old, everyone is excited about this rare moment. The food and drinks may not be too special, but the feeling of sitting close to the tracks, listening to the screeching of the wheels on the rails, and feeling the vibrations of the surrounding space is what makes the difference.”

Tripadvisor Grey G: “Great people, good food outstanding customer service and the drinks there were very good too. Looking forward to seeing more of Vietnam soon and I would love to come here again. The only reason I left 5 review is because I cannot give it one million.”

Thus, Train Street is a very worthwhile place to visit and experience. It fully converges the elements of unique space, distinctive culture, interesting cuisine, and a bustling atmosphere. If visitors are interested in Hanoi tours, Joytime is willing to become a reliable companion throughout this journey. Joytime currently offers a variety of short Hanoi tours including cuisine and famous cultural sites. With a clear itinerary, cultural understanding, and reasonable costs, Joytime promises to bring visitors valuable moments of experience.

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